Databases

Databases provide access to thousands of articles, primary sources, images, and multimedia content that have been carefully selected and organized for research. Unlike general internet searches, databases offer credible, scholarly information from trusted publishers that you can confidently cite in your work. The databases below are specifically selected to support your study of the Progressive Era.

Most databases include accessibility features such as read aloud, font selection, font adjustment, translation, speech-to-text, and embedded dictionaries. Explore to find the features that work best for you.

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ABC-CLIO American History

What is it?
ABC-CLIO American History is a comprehensive database focused on U.S. history, featuring articles, biographies, primary source documents, images, videos, and timelines covering all periods of American history including the Progressive Era. The database is organized into Topic Centers—collections of resources focused on specific themes like "Reforming America" which is particularly relevant to your research

Why use it?
This database is ideal for Progressive Era research because each "Reforming America" Topic Center includes an overview essay, video lessons from expert teachers, primary sources, and a topic library of articles and multimedia. There's even a quiz to test your knowledge!

The "Ask a Cybrarian" feature provides research help, and the Academic Success Corner offers video tutorials on researching, writing, and critical thinking skills.

Where to begin?
Watch the "How to Use the Database" video on the homepage. (3:26 minutes).

Gale in Context: Middle School

What is it?
Gale in Context: Middle School is a user-friendly database designed specifically for middle school students, featuring articles, images, videos, audio clips, and primary sources on thousands of topics.

Why use it?
This database excels at providing well-rounded information on both people and topics related to the Progressive Era. Search for your progressive's name to find biographical articles, or search for movements like "women's suffrage" or "temperance" to understand the broader context. You can easily save articles, create citations, and import to NoodleTools.

Where to begin?
You could begin at Browse Topics. Click on U.S. History. Take a moment to browse. When you find "Progressive Movement" click and read the overview. Notice all the features on the page:
- Information: document type, length, content level
- Explore: article contents and related subject
- Menu (upper left): cite, send to, download, print, etc.

Classroom Video on Demand

What is it?
Classroom Video on Demand is a streaming video database that provides access to thousands of educational documentaries, films, and video segments covering a wide range of subjects including U.S. History and the Progressive Era. Videos range from short clips to full-length documentaries, all selected for educational use.

Why use it?
Videos bring history to life in ways that text alone cannot. Watching documentaries about the Progressive Era helps you visualize the conditions that reformers fought to change - from overcrowded tenements to dangerous factory conditions. Videos often include expert interviews, historical footage, photographs, and reenactments that deepen your understanding. This is especially helpful if you're a visual learner or want to see primary source images and hear how historians explain your progressive's impact.

Where to begin?
Start by searching for your progressive's name or try broader terms like "Progressive Era," "muckrakers," "women's suffrage," or "labor reform." Browse the results and look for videos with relevant titles and reasonable lengths. Clicking on the transcript feature (if available) allows you to search and quote the video,

Gale in Context: Biography

What is it?
Gale in Context: Biography database is dedicated to biographical information on thousands of historical and contemporary figures from around the world. Its offerings include featured content, biographies, primary sources,, images and more, making it an excellent resource for researching individual progressives.

Why use it?
Since your project focuses on a specific progressive, this database is perfect for finding detailed biographical information. You'll discover articles about your progressive's early life, education, motivations, major accomplishments, and legacy. Like Gale in Context: Middle School, it offers accessibility features such as read aloud, translation, and adjustable text size.

Where to begin?
Start by searching your progressive's full name in the search box. Some searches will include a person guide which teaches foundational information. Before clicking "Read Overview," be sure to scroll down to the "More About" section to see all results.